New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang talks with Rep. Barney Frank and Gov. Deval Patrick in New Bedford in January. (Office of Gov. Patrick/Flickr)

“I might want to throw my name out in different races and I think the Senate race next year is a really important race,” Lang said, “but I’m not going to make a decision until after the first of the year.”

Lang said that he may instead compelled to return to his law practice when his term is up. “I’m going to look at everything, you know, as far as whether or not I ever run again. I’m certainly anxious to get back to private life, I’m looking forward to doing some public interest type of law as well as private practice,” Lang said.

Newton Mayor Setti Warren faced hometown criticism when he announced his bid for the Senate seat earlier this year, less than two years into his term. Also in the race are City Year co-founder Alan Khazei and Somerville activist Bob Massie. Some observers say Rep. Mike Capuano and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau head Elizabeth Warren could also enter the race.